Grace Community Church functions according to the plural local elders form of congregational church government. Plural local elders is a type of congregational church government in which the congregation elects a board of elders. One or more of the elders serves as a pastor or a teaching elder. The elders share authority collectively.

We believe this model best reflects New Testament data on the government of the local church. The key to this model is the examination of those men whom the Holy Spirit wants to appoint to shepherd the church. The qualifications for an elder are clearly articulated in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. The church must establish a disciplined, objective process by which an elder candidate is rigorously examined according to these qualifications. Laxity in the process of examining potential elders weakens the effectiveness of this form of congregational government. To understand the selection, tenure, function and responsibilities of Grace Church Elders click here.

We also highly recommend Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch to better understand the character and function of shepherd eldership.

To learn more about our church leadership, click on the links below:

The Offices of Elder and Deacon

Overview of Eldership

Overview of Deaconship